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MEDIUM: Watercolor on Paper
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SIZE: 10" x 7"
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STATUS: In a Private Collection
"In my quest to become more comfortable painting humans (animals come much more easily to me), I was inspired by a photo my sister Jean posted on Facebook of her husband Wade on a boat during a visit to Cape Cod. I liked the casual aspect of the over-the-shoulder glance. I was drawn to the combination of highlights and cast shadows on his face, the whispy mustache and beard, the folds in his shirt fabric, and the transparent but reflective sunglasses. I usually work from my own reference photos, particularly since this is most often a requirement for paintings I enter into competitions. But this one was worth an exception.
As with previous human faces, I selected three warm and three cool primary colors, mixing color both on the paper and on my palette. I simplified the background from the original photo in order to give the face the most attention but including enough so it would be shown in a suitable setting. The skin tones are a bit more realistic than other recent portraits, but still rich with color.
I sent the original painting to Wade as a gift for his retirement. When he received the painting, he told me 'This blows me away. Certainly one of the nicest if not the nicest gift I have ever gotten.' That is certainly one of the nicest compliments I have ever received!"
